Conception Harbour accountant facing charges of theft, fraud, say police
Craig Williams due back in court on July 2
Two years after a Brigus, N.L. fish plant sounded the alarm over concerns of skullduggery from a former employee, police have laid charges. An investigation allegedly found fraud to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
On Tuesday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police announced criminal charges have been laid against 53-year-old Craig Williams.
Williams, the former mayor of Conception Harbour, was arrested on March 12 and is facing one count of fraud over $5,000 and one count of theft over $5,000.
It began in April 2023, when Independent Fish Harvesters Ltd. in Brigus contacted the RCMP about concerns of possible internal fraud.
"Williams, who was the company's office manager and accountant, was suspected as being involved," said the police statement released on Tuesday.
"As part of the investigation, RCMP [General Investigation Section] engaged the Forensic Accounting Management Group (FAMG) and a forensic financial audit was completed. The investigation discovered internal fraud in excess of $125,000."
CBC News has asked Williams for comment.
The charges have not been proven in court, but Graham Hiscock, the plant's general manager, says he's pleased the situation is progressing.
"Quite the relief to know he is finally charged and the public will now know of this character and hope no one else falls in his trap," he told CBC News in an email.
It's not the only legal trouble Williams is in.
In October, the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador ordered Williams to pay over $113,000 after allegations he fraudulently took funds from Dc Design House Inc. by faking invoices, billing for non-existent office supplies and more.
Williams did not file any statement of defence and the claims have not been proven in court.
On Oct. 29 a judge granted a default order for Williams to repay the total amount Dc Design alleges he misappropriated.
Williams is due back in court on July 2 in Harbour Grace.
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